Minnesota Atheists add nonsectarian viewpoints to a debate often dominated by religion

Minnesota Atheists has been fighting for decades to keep religion out of government, according to August Berkshire, the group's president.

When three same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses in Hennepin County for their sexual orientation, filed a lawsuit in March 2010 to strike down the Minnesota Defense of Marriage Act and then lost, the atheists took notice.

Once the couples appealed the decision of the Hennepin County District Court, Minnesota Atheists were able to jump in and help them out, said Berkshire. The group filed an amicus brief to bring their secular perspective to the discussion of marriage.